If you're thinking about switching to solar energy, you've probably wondered:
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
The truth is, not all roofs are created equal. The type of material directly impacts the ease of installation, system durability, and even the final cost.
In this blog, we’ll break down the best roofing materials for solar panels and how to make a smart decision if you're planning to replace or upgrade your roof.
When a professional company installs solar panels, they need to make sure the roofing material:
✅ Is structurally sound
✅ Allows for safe, efficient installation
✅ Has a long lifespan—ideally matching the panels (20–30 years)
|
Material |
Compatibility with solar panels |
Advantages |
Considerations |
|
Asphalt shingles |
✅ High |
Easy to install, cost-effective |
Moderate lifespan |
|
Metal (sheet or tile) |
✅ High |
Durable, ideal for solar mounts |
May need additional structure |
|
Clay or ceramic tiles |
⚠️ Medium |
Aesthetic, good thermal insulation |
More fragile and costly to install |
|
Flat roof (membrane) |
✅High (with tilt structure) |
Great for adjusting panel angle |
Needs extra support for panels |
|
Wood or thatch roofs |
❌ Low |
Rustic or traditional appearance |
Not recommended for solar panels |
If your roof is over 15 years old, has leaks, or the material is worn out, it’s best to inspect or replace it before investing in solar energy.
💡 Remember: it’s smarter to handle both jobs at once than to remove panels just a few years later to fix your roof.
A common mistake is hiring a roofer and a solar installer separately. This often leads to poor coordination, sloppy work, and in some cases, having to remove panels to fix a poorly prepared roof.
➡️ Choosing a company that handles both roofing and solar installation ensures:
✅ Full coordination between roofing and solar teams
✅ Accurate technical evaluations from the start (for weight, orientation, and structure)
✅ Fewer delays and better cost efficiency
✅ Longer-lasting results and better warranty coverage
🔧 At Zolarzo, we offer both roofing services and solar panel installation.
Even if you're not ready to go solar yet, we can prep your roof now so it's ready when you are—helping you avoid double spending or future headaches.
We’ll help you find out.
🔽 Request free roof evaluation 🔽
📬 Plus, when you sign up, you'll also receive exclusive roofing + solar tips straight to your inbox.